AU recommendation on genome editing

The African Union has formulated policies that create a continental strategic focus in harnessing biotechnology for socio-economic development, and whose key outcome is the “Freedom to Innovate” publication of 2007. Another such effort is the Science Technology & Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2014-2024), with the formation of the Africa High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) for priority setting; one of whose priorities is the Gene Drives for Malaria Control and Elimination Strategy of 2018. AUDA also exercises leadership in supporting AU member states in international negotiations at the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference and Meeting of the Parties to the Biosafety Protocol (COP-MOP).

Further to these, through the Africa Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE), AUDA has made good progress in strengthening biosafety capacity in the region to ensure the safe and responsible use of these modern innovations. Moreover, in a move aimed at reinforcing the position of the genome editing agenda, the Africa Coalition for Communicating about Genome Editing was launched. It is a concept that was mooted and recommended during the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC2021) Symposium, held in South Africa.

Countries and main actors

Work on genome editing in Africa includes the mapping of gene sequences that are responsible for diseases specific to people of African descent, as well as building the technical capacity of Africans in this area of research.

African Computational Genomics Group

To identify the genes responsible for non-communicable diseases, the research group at the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK is analysing enormous amounts of genomic data. Their goal is to prevent and treat illness in which people of African descent are more susceptible.

Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network (MalariaGEN)

MalariaGEN provides a data resource platform to help understand the genomic variation and evolution of mosquito populations in response to malaria intervention efforts such as insecticides. This knowledge would help guide the development of new tools for malaria control and elimination.

African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID)

Founded in 2014, the Nigerian-based ACEGID is producing African genomics scientists to close the skills gap on the continent, and contribute to the effective containment and control of highly infectious diseases such as Lassa fever, Ebola, and COVID-19.

Policies guiding the development of genome editing

Guidelines for Determining the Regulatory Process of Genome Edited Organisms and Products in Kenya

AU Health Research & Innovation Strategy 2030

Gene Drives for Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa